General
Geneva to Host High-Level Conference on IP in the Gaming Industry
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GENEVA — The University of Geneva’s Faculty of Law has announced its upcoming Intellectual Property conference, set to take place on 12 February 2026. This year’s edition of the JDPI (Journée de Droit de la Propriété Intellectuelle) turns its focus to one of the most dynamic sectors in the legal landscape: The Gaming Industry.
Organized in a hybrid format at the Uni Mail building (Room MS160), the event will bring together leading academics, WIPO officials, and industry insiders to discuss the evolving challenges of intellectual property, regulation, and dispute resolution in video games and esports.
A Convergence of Global Perspectives
The conference is co-chaired by Prof. Jacques de Werra (University of Geneva) and Prof. Irene Calboli (Texas A&M University School of Law), representing the Intellectual Property Special Interest Group (SIG) of the European Law Institute.
The agenda promises a comprehensive look at the legal frameworks governing digital entertainment, moving from international developments to specific national case studies.
Key Sessions Include:
- International Developments: Rafael Ferraz Vasquez from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will open the technical sessions with an overview of IP in the gaming industry and WIPO’s latest initiatives.
- US & European Perspectives: Attendees will gain insights into the US market—covering “clones,” anti-piracy, and AI—from New York attorney Stacey Chuvaeva. Later in the afternoon, the focus shifts to Europe, with Prof. Philippe Mouron and Gaylor Rabu (University of Aix-Marseille) discussing Video Game Law through French and European lenses.
- Dispute Resolution: With the rise of cross-border digital disputes, Alexia Gkoritsa from the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center will present on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) trends specific to gaming.
Industry Experts & ELN Representation
Bridging the gap between academic theory and practical reality, the event features a panel of “lead commentators” who will kick off discussions after the main presentations.
We are proud to highlight that Leonid Shmatenko, Founder of Esports Legal News and Counsel at 5Gambit Disputes Ltd, will serve as a lead commentator. He will be joined by Ewelina Jarosz-Zgoda, VP of Legal & General Counsel at CD Projekt RED, the studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077.
Event Details
- Date: 12 February 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM CET
- Location: University of Geneva, Uni Mail (Room MS160) & Online (Hybrid)
- Registration: Open now via the University of Geneva website.
For legal professionals specializing in digital entertainment, this conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with the creators, regulators, and litigators shaping the future of gaming law.
